Young Musicians Invited To Compete At Farm Show Contest

Deadline to enter is Dec. 22

Pennsylvania’s young musicians are invited to show off their talents Sunday, Jan. 8, during the 96th Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Entries for the Farm Show’s Got Talent contest, a favorite featuring the musical abilities of youths aged 8- 18, will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 22. The event will be held in the Small Arena of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

“Farm Show events like the talent contest showcase the best Pennsylvania has to offer,” said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. “Like agriculture, making music teaches life skills, helps in understanding other academic subjects and can give kids a lifetime of enjoyment. As a musician, I appreciate the skill and courage it takes to perform in front of an audience. I look forward to watching the young performers.”

Youths ages 8-18 are eligible for competition in junior, intermediate and senior divisions. Each division includes four categories: vocal solo, vocal group, instrumental solo and instrumental group. Musical accompaniment may be live, on CD or tape. Mixed-division group ensembles are allowed – the division in which they compete will be determined by the age of the oldest group member. Musical numbers should be three to five minutes in length.

Contestants may enter one individual and one group act and will perform before a panel of impartial judges. Premiums will be awarded to first- through fourth-places; rosettes will be given to other places.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show runs Jan. 7-14 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free and parking is $10. The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center is easily accessed from nearby Interstate 81.

For a full list of rules and to enter the competition, stop at the complex or visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us and click on “Forms.”